2nd Quarter Recap: USC 7-MSST 7

The Gamecocks tied the game midway thru the quarter with a 13 play, 80 yard drive. Bruce Ellington was the catalyst catching three passes and, as quarterback, completing a 21 yard pass to Marcus Lattimore. That pass set the Gamecocks up at the Bulldogs’ 32. Connor Shaw had a 10 yard run followed by an 11 yard run by Lattimore. It was Lattimore who later scored the touchdown on a four yard run. With 6:19 left in the half, it’s 7-7.

USC’s Reginald Bowens intercepted Tyler Russell on Mississippi State’s next possession and returned it to the Bulldog 11. But on third down Shaw was picked off in the end zone by Jonathan Banks.

Late in the half with the Gamecocks trying to knock in a late touchdown or get in position for a field goal, Shaw tried to hit Damiere Byrd deep down the left sideline, but he was intercepted at the State three by Nickoe Whitley. Halftime score was 7-7.

USC had 156 first half yards on 42 plays. Shaw was 12-20 for 82 yards with the two interceptions. Lattimore had 33 rushing yards on 10 carries.